The TechNet Wiki Code of Conduct describes the standard for everyone in the TechNet Wiki community. Leaders however, are held to a higher standard, described in this article. A leader is anyone who plays a significant role for a set of content or for the wiki overall. Leadership is based on the Ubuntu Leadership Code of Conduct.
We expect leadership by example. In the TechNet Wiki, leadership is not an award, right, or title; it is a privilege. A leader will only retain his or her position as long as he or she acts as a leader. This means that they act with civility, respect, transparency and trust in the ways described in the Code of Conduct. It also means that their contributions are sustained, significant, and reliable for the period that they lead. Leaders in the TechNet Wiki community are not autocrats. Leaders in the TechNet Wiki cannot and will not stay leaders only because they stepped up first. Their role stems from shared recognition and respect of the community. Leaders communicate; if they need help, they ask for it. If they see a problem or possible improvement, they speak up. Leaders personally make things happen and coordinate the work of others.
The Code of Conduct applies to everyone, but it applies to leaders more. Leaders must show more patience, more respect, and more civility than other members of the TechNet Wiki community. Additionally, they take care to act in accordance with TechNet Wiki governance policies and principles and work with the community continually to update and improve them.
A leader notices when they are presented with a conflict of interests and delegates decisions to others on their team or to other teams or governing councils. When in doubt, leaders publicly ask for a second opinion. They realize that perceived conflicts of interest are as important as real conflicts of interest and are cognizant of perceptions.
TN Wiki community leaders should not ignore their own beliefs, feelings, and principles but must hold the interests of the TechNet Wiki community above their own. Leaders make difficult choices but are careful to act in the best interests of their communities. They work with established processes in the community and seek always to collaborate with others.
The TechNet Wiki Code of Conduct discusses the importance of gracefully stepping down from a leadership position. This is particularly important for leaders who are responsible for decisions or specific processes. For example, if your participation is needed to reach quorum in a project. If someone in a leadership role does not have time to fulfill their role temporarily, they should warn their team in advance. If an absence becomes extended, they should step down from their leadership position until they have more time to follow through. Similarly, leaders should step down gracefully — as described in the Code of Conduct.
Note that this is less important in cases where the leadership role does not “block” decisions while the person is absent. For example, if you are one of a team of 50 list moderators, then an extended absence does not mean you should necessarily step down, because decisions will not be blocked by you not being there. Conversely, if your leadership seat is essential for decisions, then extended absences should be very carefully managed, and you should consider stepping down or at least nominating a stand-in while you will be away.
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